Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

There is something utterly magical about these Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe that instantly transports you to cozy autumn afternoons. Each bite offers a perfect punch of pumpkin-spiced warmth wrapped in a delightfully soft, fried donut shell, and then kissed by a generous cinnamon sugar coating. Whether you’re looking for a weekend treat or a festive snack to share with friends, this recipe brings simple ingredients together to create a truly irresistible bite-sized indulgence you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe shows how simplicity can lead to extraordinary flavor and texture. Every component plays a crucial role from the rich pumpkin puree for moisture and sweetness to the blend of warming spices that create that unmistakable fall vibe.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives these donut holes their tender structure.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during frying.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures your donut holes puff up and become light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that signature spicy warmth essential for pumpkin treats.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a cozy, nutty aroma that complements cinnamon perfectly.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing for depth.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: Just a pinch to round out the spice blend wonderfully.
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree: Moisturizes and provides that beautiful orange hue with rich pumpkin flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a fragrant sweetness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the donut holes soft inside.
• Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for perfect crisping.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon mixed for that irresistible finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and the aromatic spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—in a large bowl until they are evenly combined. This step ensures that every bite of your Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe bursts with consistent warm flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture contributes moisture and richness, setting the stage for tender, fluffy donut holes.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour your wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—keeping the batter light is key to achieving that perfect tender texture.

Step 4: Fold in Melted Butter

Gently fold in the melted unsalted butter. This adds richness and a silky texture, ensuring your donut holes stay soft on the inside while allowing that golden crust to develop beautifully when fried.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Heat your frying oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer. Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for donut holes to cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.

Step 6: Fry Donut Holes

Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, carefully drop the batter balls into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. This helps each piece fry evenly and develop a perfectly crisp exterior.

Step 7: Fry Until Golden

Let them fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown evenly on all sides. The result should be golden-brown donut holes that are cooked through and soft inside.

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Remove the donut holes using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This step helps keep them light and not greasy.

Step 9: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm, roll each donut hole generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The warm donut holes absorb the coating, creating a sweet and slightly crispy exterior that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe warm or at room temperature for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that disappears fast every time.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe

Garnishes

These donut holes are delightful on their own, but feel free to add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce to amp up the indulgence. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans can also add a lovely crunch and nutty contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a rich latte for a perfect fall-inspired snack. They also make a playful companion to vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to treat yourself even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve these donut holes stacked in a festive bowl or threaded onto skewers for easy serving. You can also place them in mini cupcake liners to keep them neat and add a pop of color. If gifting, a charming mason jar or decorative box wrapped with twine creates a lovely homemade gift impression.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from becoming soggy, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture.

Freezing

Freeze cooled donut holes on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy this pumpkin delight any time you wish.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or leftover donut holes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them too soft instead of retaining that crispy-tender contrast.

FAQs

Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?

While frying gives Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe its classic crispy exterior, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes. Just make sure to brush them with melted butter before baking, and don’t forget to toss them in cinnamon sugar when they come out!

What can I use instead of canned pumpkin puree?

If you don’t have canned pumpkin, you can substitute with cooked and mashed butternut squash or sweet potato. Both provide a similar moist texture and complement the warm spices beautifully.

How do I know when the oil is the right temperature?

Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of batter into the oil; it should bubble up steadily and float to the surface quickly without burning.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Just keep an eye on the batter thickness and adjust with a bit more milk if necessary.

How long do these donut holes stay fresh?

Freshly made Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe taste best the day they are made, but you can keep them fresh for up to two days stored properly. After that, they tend to lose their crispness and softness, but reheating can revive them to some extent.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the comfort and joy of homemade Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donut Holes Recipe to brighten any day or cozy up your gathering. From the perfectly spiced batter to the satisfying crunch of cinnamon sugar, these little bites are a true celebration of autumn flavors. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how easy and rewarding this tasty treat can be!

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